Orange Beach gives $1M to schools, hires two consultants

John Mullen • April 21, 2022

Money will pay for new school system's startup costs, salaries

The Orange Beach, Alabama, city council voted to give $1 million in startup cost to the city school system.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach continued to spend money on its new city school board as the rush continues to complete the separation from Baldwin County schools by July 1 or in less than four months.


At the April 19 council meeting, the city hired two consultants and also passed a resolution appropriating $1 million to the new board after hiring its first two employees on April 12. The money will be used for startup costs for the nascent system which will not receive state or local revenue until Oct. 1 if the separation is complete by July 1. In the past, Alabama school separation negotiations have lasted from nine months to 18 months.


The council also offered its support to the school board’s effort to receive a Pre-K grant for one class at Orange Beach Elementary for school years 2022-25. The current class is attached to Baldwin County schools and with the separation Orange Beach needs to apply for its own program.


The city will also add consultants Dr. Suzanne Freeman to advise on educational matters and Russell Raney to advise on financial matters. Both will be paid $150 an hour plus expenses including “reasonable” hotel, travel and meal costs.


On April 12, the school board hired Dr. Robbie Smith as interim superintendent and hired Finance Director/Assistant City Administrator Ford Handley as interim chief schools financial officer. Smith, the former principal at both Orange Beach High School and Middle School signed a six-month contract worth $14,266 a month.


Handley signed a 12-month contract worth $12,000 on top of his salary for his other positions with the city. The city’s job listing says the director and assistant administrator position pays between $125,000 and $190,000. During the meeting, the council also amended the employees pay plan to adjust the position of finance director/assistant city administrator.


During the regular session, the council:


  • Declared May 7 as Lemonade Day in south Baldwin County. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce foster the program to teach grade school students about work ethic and entrepreneurship.


  • Proclaimed May as Mental Health Month in Orange Beach.


  • Recognized Orange Beach High School wrestler Shayd Arbeneaux who was first in Baldwin County in the 120-pound division, fourth place at the South Super Sectional and fourth place in the state. Wrestling Coach Tim George made the presentation to the council.


  • Postponed appointing Jamie Logan as the city attorney to May 3. According to the employee pay plan, pay for the position will be between $175,000 and $225,000. City attorney was also added as a job listing on the city’s pay plan.


  • Passed a resolution awarding a contract for $139,300 to Thompson Engineering to perform design, bid and construction administration for the repair and replacement of canoe trail sites damaged in Hurricane Sally.


  • OK’d a resolution to buy a pump from Hydra Services for the Utilities Department for $61,925.


  • OK’d the rejection of a bid for a UTV for the fire department for $20,089.


  • Entered into a three-year contract with KultureCity a company that says on its website it is “the nation's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities” for the police department. The contract includes online training, decals for cars, sensory bags and a mobile sensory station that can be plugged up in virtually any room. The first-year contract is for $1,700 and the mobile unit will cost $2,500. Gov. Kay Ivey signed up for services for state law enforcement officers in August. Read the story here.


  • Signed a marina slip license agreement with Safe Harbor Sportsman which is providing the slip for free so the city can do some dredging at its marina east of Sportsman.


  • OK’d a resolution accepting the statements of work from CivicPlus for CivicEngage for website design and hosting, and CivicHR for employee management software. CivicEngage will cost the city $34,888 the first year and $11,307 annually after that. For CivicHR, the city is paying $26,906 for the first year and $22,968 annually after the first year.


  • OK’d a liquor license for Fish House which is planning on moving into the former Sauced location on Canal Road east of Brick and Spoon. The space was also formerly Hogfish Grill and before that Lester’s.


During the work session, the council discussed:


  • A resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation allowing the city to pick up debris along state-maintained roadways in the city.


  • A Uniti Fiber franchise agreement with the city.


  • Authorizing contracts with DeRhonda Ponder, Jodi Williamson and Stacie Brane for special needs aide services for the afterschool Expect Excellence program.


  • Setting a public hearing for the proposed Turquoise Place parking garage on the east side of the complex. The suggested date was June 7.


  • Heard a reminder there will be a public hearing May 3 and first reading of an ordinance change for a setback waiver at 49 Parks Edge.


  • Heard a reminder there will be a public hearing May 3 and first reading of an ordinance change for a setback waiver for lot 60 in the Summer Salt Subdivision behind Doc’s Seafood on beach road.

Share this article w/ Friends...

National Dive Bar Day: Which Is Your Favorite?
By OBA Staff July 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — After such a busy weekend, it is natural to want a reprieve from the crowds. To sit down with other locals and have your favorite beverage. One of the best ways to return to normal is to visit your favorite dive bar.
Orange Beach Police
By OBA Staff July 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Emergency crews responded to a crash in Orange Beach early Sunday morning that left at least one person with injuries. The accident involved a motorcycle and a minivan and happened on Canal Road near Wharf Parkway West. Police said the motorcyclist was airlifted from the scene by helicopter
Things to do this week in Gulf Shores, Foley and Orange Beach
By Jessica A. Taylor July 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — From dolphin tours to hot dog contests, the Alabama Gulf Coast is offering a diverse slate of activities this week for residents and visitors alike. As mid-July arrives, families, anglers, and art lovers will all find something on the calendar to enjoy.
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen July 7, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A second Doc’s Seafood Shack and the third restaurant in the Doc’s group, is closer to opening in Foley. The new restaurant is nearing completion in the southeast corner of the intersection of the South Juniper Street extension and County Road 20.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen July 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A new development containing 300 multi-family housing units and commercial uses on the Foley Beach Express will be discussed at the upcoming Gulf Shores City Council meeting. The site is just north of the new Gulf Shores High School and fronts the Foley Beach Express.
Orange Beach Event Center
By OBA Staff July 6, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new family-friendly event is coming to Orange Beach this summer, offering a chance for kids and adults to share a special night out together. The inaugural Summer Soirée promises an evening of fun, music, and memories designed for both children and their parents.
Dauphin Island Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo - Scamp by Outdoor Alabama
By OBA Staff July 6, 2025
Dauphin Island, Ala. — (OBA) — Dauphin Island is preparing for one of the largest saltwater fishing tournaments in the world as the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo returns for its 92nd year. Organizers expect thousands of anglers and spectators to take part in the event from July 17 to July 20.
Waterfront Park in Orange Beach
By OBA Staff July 5, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities.
Orange Beach Fire Station 1
By R. Ken Cooper July 5, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fire Rescue has achieved a rare and prestigious honor. On Monday, city officials learned that the department’s ambulance service is now fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).
Happy 4th of July: Fireworks List and Fun Facts
By OBA Staff July 4, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The 4th of July celebrates the birth of our great nation. The United States is officially 249 years old today. Enjoy the holiday safely and plan to attend one of the local fireworks shows below.
Show More